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That persistent sound in your ears isn't merely bothersome — it might be a sign of tinnitus.
According to the American Tinnitus Association, over 50 million Americans are impacted by this condition, with around 20 million cases classified as chronic. While it is commonly referred to as ringing in the ears, numerous patients also experience sounds such as buzzing, hissing, clicking, swooshing, or humming, despite the absence of any external noise.
There’s currently no cure for tinnitus, but there are ways to manage the symptoms. Dr. Jaslean Ahuja Michals, a clinical audiologist, recently shared her expert advice on TikTok, breaking down the potential causes of that persistent ringing and offering tips on how to keep it at bay.
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To begin with,
If you're experiencing a constant buzzing or ringing sound, Michals recommends that your first step should be to schedule a hearing test with an audiologist.
“We need to assess for any potential damage to the auditory nerve,” Michals explained. “Hearing loss accounts for ninety percent of tinnitus cases.”
So, what causes this phenomenon? When the brain no longer receives the usual auditory signals from the ears, it attempts to make up for the deficit by creating its own sounds at the frequencies that are being lost. This is where the perception of ringing or buzzing originates, as explained by Michals.
Habit 1: Failing to shield your ears from excessive noise.
Perhaps you've already consulted an audiologist and received the all-clear regarding your hearing; however, that doesn't necessarily mean you're in the clear just yet.
"Michals cautioned, 'It's crucial to safeguard your hearing when faced with loud sounds. Much of the tinnitus people experience can be traced back to prolonged exposure to intense noise.'"
No need to stress; this doesn’t mean you have to give up head-banging at concerts or forgo your motorcycle helmet. If you can't lower the volume or get away from the noise, Michals suggests using protective gear such as earmuffs and earplugs to safeguard your hearing.
If you believe your ears will simply adapt to the noise, reconsider that thought. If you find that loud sounds no longer disturb you, it probably indicates that your hearing has sustained some level of damage.
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Habits 2-4: Substance dependence and unhealthy eating patterns
Your hearing isn't solely influenced by how loud sounds are; it also hinges on your body's internal conditions. In reality, the food you consume significantly affects the health of your circulatory system, which in turn has a direct effect on your auditory capabilities.
Consuming alcohol can result in dehydration, elevate blood pressure, and disrupt the fluid equilibrium in your inner ear, potentially causing dizziness and exacerbating tinnitus symptoms.
Smoking is another major culprit. Though researchers haven’t pinpointed the exact cause, it’s suspected that nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarettes lower oxygen levels in the blood, constrict blood vessels, and reduce circulation to the inner ear — putting your hearing at risk.
Michals also recommends maintaining a low-sodium diet to help manage tinnitus because too much salt can disrupt fluid in the inner ear. She said this is especially important for people with menieres disease, a chronic inner ear disorder that affects balance and hearing.
According to Michals, a high intake of processed sugars and an abundance of caffeine in your diet can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms.
If you’re still experiencing ringing in your ears, Michals says not to overlook supplements. Some studies suggest that deficiencies in zinc and vitamin B12 could contribute to tinnitus.
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Poor habit 5: Insufficient sleep
Tinnitus can turn falling asleep into a real challenge, yet lacking sufficient sleep can exacerbate the ringing sensation.
Michals stated, "If you experience very poor sleep, you're likely to notice a significant increase in your tinnitus the following day."
In 2022, researchers at Oxford University identified why this might happen. They found that sleep deprivation puts your brain in a heightened state of activity, making it more sensitive to the signals that create the ringing in your ears.
Basically, your brain becomes more sensitive to the tinnitus, increasing the perception of the sound.
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However, it doesn't stop there. Michals highlights that numerous individuals suffering from tinnitus often face difficulties with sleep, which can exacerbate feelings of anxiety, depression, and emotional strain — all of which can intensify the symptoms.
Consequently, numerous patients become ensnared in a detrimental loop: tinnitus interferes with sleep, leading to increased stress and anxiety, which subsequently amplifies the ringing, further complicating their ability to rest.
To disrupt the cycle, Michals advises utilizing a fan or a white noise machine to cover up the ringing sounds during the night. Additionally, she recommends considering melatonin or magnesium supplements prior to bedtime to enhance the quality of sleep.
@curatingcures Part 3: Ways to manage your tinntius #tinnitus #tinnitusawareness #tinnitusrelief #tinnitusmanagement #tinnitusprevention #fypage #audiology #stoptheringing #stopsufferinginsilence #educational
♬ unique melody – Jaslean
Negative Habit 6: Living a sedentary lifestyle
"According to Michals, exercise goes beyond merely maintaining health; it can also enhance blood circulation throughout the body."
Studies support this, showing that engaging in physical activity enhances blood flow and alleviates stress and anxiety, which are known to provoke tinnitus episodes. Additionally, regular exercise promotes better sleep, an essential element in managing symptoms effectively.
However, it's not solely focused on cardio. Some specific exercises can effectively target the ongoing ringing sensation.
Experts recommend movements such as neck rotations, chin tucks, gentle head rolls and jaw exercises. In addition, relaxation techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization can further help calm the body and mind, potentially offering some much-needed relief from the noise.
